Mass. governor asks all schools, colleges to close tomorrow

Gov. Deval L. Patrick is asking all schools and colleges to close tomorrow as the state braces for the potentially devastating impact of Hurricane Sandy.

Speaking to reporters from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency headquarters this afternoon in Framingham, the governor said all non-essential public employees should work from home tomorrow and urged private employers to tell their workers to stay home as well.

Power outages during this storm could be worse than the widespread outages experienced last year after Tropical Storm Irene, the governor noted.

Wind damage is expected throughout Massachusetts, but the south and east coasts also could see severe flooding. MEMA Director Kurt N. Schwartz urged coastal communities to order evacuations “if necessary.”

Mr. Patrick said state police and the National Guard are ready to respond.